3-inch front drop spring install

[64chevmn]

I just got a set of CPP 3-inch front lowering springs and 2-inch drop spindles. I figured I would still need a spring compressor to get the coil springs compressed enough to get the spindles to bolt on, but surprisingly I was able to get the ball joint nuts started without much effort. I've never installed a set of lowering springs before, but it seemed too easy. Is this typical of 3-inch drop springs; they seem snug but I can still slightly twist them once everything was bolted tight (no weight on the front end yet).

Dan

[BossHogg69]

Every 2" or 3" drop spring I've ever installed in any of my 2wd chevy trucks went in just as you described. I don't think you have anything to worry about as long as the springs are aligned in the pockets properly.

[N2TRUX]

A 2" spring might be a bit snug, but that 3" is going to fall in place. Bolt it up and share pics please.

[familyfast64]

I would like to see because I have the 2 or 2.5 spindle and 2in drop spring and was wondering how the rice would be with their 3"... Thanks

[familyfast64]

I would like to see because I have the 2 or 2.5 spindle and 2in drop spring and was wondering how the ride would be with their 3"... Thanks

[64chevmn]

I'm assuming you are looking for pictures of the truck's stance with the new 3-inch drop springs in place, but I'm a few months away from seeing that look. Here is the only picture I have of the springs and drop spindles in place.

[familyfast64]

Yeah sorry, last night the forum wasn't loading on my phone, I didn't think my msg went through. I didn't mean to post twice. Thanks for the photo. I might buy a set soon.

[familyfast64]

Did you just use regular ball joints or did you use the long ones? Also your rotors look small, there not 12" are they? Are you going back with 15" rims? I have 15s and they fit perfectly around 12" rotors with my drop spindles which don't seem to have been new for a while. I'm still kind of figuring out what is what on my truck. I also have a 64 but mines gmc. Honestly I might even have 3 in drop springs already.... It's sitting fairly low.... Are those cpps shocks too?

[michael bustamante]

Dont forget dust plates

[BADAZ chevy guy]

I'm glad you posted this. I'm thinking of going with 3" drop spindles and maybe a 1" drop spring. Do you think there will be enough camber adjustment with the 3" shorter springs?

[64chevmn]

I'm not sure the size of the rotors, but they fit perfect with my 15-inch chrome smoothie rims. The ball joints, all of the bushings and tie rod ends are stock 1964 parts. As far as the camber, it appears I have lots of room to adjust it once I get the running gear and cab/box mounted back on. I was hoping to not use the dust shields, but if they are an essential to keep the brake dust from flying around I will buy a set. The front shocks are CPP lowering shocks that came with the 3-inch springs. They fit perfect!

Dan

[Tx Firefighter]

With fresh suspension and 3 inch springs it will still align okay. Where you run into trouble is on old sloppy trucks with lots of wear in the control arm shafts and ball joints. You run out of stud length if you try and go far beyond that. Besides the fact you just flat run out of suspension travel.

[familyfast64]

Hey, I bought some cpp 2 in lowered shocks. Mine happen to be black. Anyway, the polyurethane bushings in the lower part of the shock are about a .25" thicker than the mounting tabs on the lower control arm. I know if I bend them apart then the holes won't line up, plus the side that gets the nut barely has room as it is so widening just isn't going to work. Is this common or normal? Direct replacement my ass.lol do you guys cut those tabs off and fab your own? I could prolly Trim the bushing but I think I'm just gonna cut and wild some new tabs. I have a sheet of 1/4 steel and a welder. My search bar won't work using my phone cause of the format or something but if one of you guys could send me a link to modifying that area of the lower control arm I would be very appreciative. Thanks.

[Tx Firefighter]

Take an air sander to the bushings to make the lower end thinner until it fits between the tabs.

[familyfast64]

Yeah I ended up doing that and have them in now. Sometimes I catch myself stressing out over nothing but it's just kind bowling to me why nothing can ever be what irs supposed to be. Ha, but it rides much better now cats the shocks are much stiffer. I thought I had read on here once that guys relocate the front shocks or maybe it was something else to do with the lower control arm. Anyway thanks

[familyfast64]

Yeah I ended up doing that and have them in now. Sometimes I catch myself stressing out over nothing but it's just kind of mind blowing to me why nothing can ever be what it claims to be. Ha, but it rides much better now cats the shocks are much stiffer. I thought I had read on here once that guys relocate the front shocks or maybe it was something else to do with the lower control arm. Anyway thanks

[64chevmn]

My CPP shocks were black, but I painted them to contrast all of the other black paint on the frame. And like the other members, I used a grinder to make the bushings fit between the tabs.